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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Sustainable Cities - Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get a Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on sustainable cities with expert scoring breakdown and key vocabulary for your test prep.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Sustainable Cities - Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt:

Many cities around the world are facing serious environmental challenges. What are the main causes of these problems, and how can we make cities more sustainable? Give relevant examples and support your ideas with specific details.

Band 6.5 Sample Answer

Sample Answer:

In recent years, cities have become more and more crowded, and this has led to many environmental problems. There are two main causes of these issues: pollution and waste. First, the number of cars in cities is increasing, and this causes a lot of air pollution. Second, people are using more and more plastic, and this creates a lot of waste. To make cities more sustainable, we need to take action in several areas.

One solution is to encourage people to use public transportation. This can reduce the number of cars on the road and decrease air pollution. For example, some cities have introduced bike-sharing programs, which have been very successful. Another solution is to promote recycling. People should be encouraged to recycle more, and this can be done through education campaigns. For instance, in my city, there are posters everywhere telling people how to recycle properly.

In conclusion, cities are facing serious environmental challenges, but there are solutions. By encouraging public transportation and promoting recycling, we can make cities more sustainable.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR):

  • Presents a clear position with some development.
  • Relevant examples are used but could be more specific.
  • Addresses the task but lacks depth in analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC):

  • Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition.
  • Cohesive devices are used but not always accurately.
  • Paragraphing is adequate but could be improved.

Lexical Resource (LR):

  • Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary.
  • Some attempts at less common vocabulary with mixed success.
  • Limited range of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA):

  • Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.
  • Some errors in grammar and punctuation.
  • Sentence formation is generally clear but not always accurate.

Key Vocabulary

  1. Crowded (adj.) - Full of people or things; overpopulated.
  • Example: The city is becoming increasingly crowded.
  1. Environmental (adj.) - Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on it.
  • Example: Environmental challenges are a major concern for cities.
  1. Pollution (n.) - The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects.
  • Example: Air pollution is a serious problem in many cities.
  1. Waste (n.) - Unwanted or useless material.
  • Example: Plastic waste is a growing concern.
  1. Sustainable (adj.) - Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
  • Example: Sustainable cities are the future.
  1. Encourage (v.) - Give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
  • Example: We should encourage people to use public transportation.
  1. Recycling (n.) - The action or process of converting waste into reusable material.
  • Example: Recycling is essential for a sustainable future.
  1. Campaign (n.) - An organized course of action to achieve a particular goal.
  • Example: Education campaigns can promote recycling.
  1. Poster (n.) - A large, usually printed notice intended to be attached to a wall or other vertical surface.
  • Example: Posters can be an effective way to spread information.
  1. Promote (v.) - Support or actively encourage (a cause, venture, etc.) through one's actions.
  • Example: We need to promote sustainable practices.
  1. Introduce (v.) - Bring (someone or something) into a particular place, environment, or state.
  • Example: The city introduced a new bike-sharing program.
  1. Successful (adj.) - Achieving the results wanted; prosperous or flourishing.
  • Example: The bike-sharing program has been very successful.
  1. Challenges (n.) - A task or situation that is demanding and tests someone's abilities.
  • Example: Cities face many environmental challenges.
  1. Action (n.) - The fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
  • Example: We need to take action to make cities more sustainable.
  1. Decrease (v.) - Make or become smaller or less.
  • Example: Using public transportation can decrease air pollution.

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide specific examples to support their ideas, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
  2. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or words can make the essay seem less coherent and reduce the score in Coherence and Cohesion.
  3. Grammar Errors: Common grammar mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement and tense consistency, can lower the score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
  4. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can affect the score in Lexical Resource. Students should aim to use a variety of words and phrases.
  5. Poor Paragraphing: Poor paragraphing can make the essay harder to follow and reduce the score in Coherence and Cohesion. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a Band 6.5 and a Band 7.0 response?

A: A Band 7.0 response presents a clear position with more detailed development and specific examples. The vocabulary is more varied and accurate, and the grammar is more complex and accurate.

Q: How can I improve my Task Response score?

A: To improve your Task Response score, make sure to address all parts of the prompt, provide specific examples, and develop your ideas fully. Avoid going off-topic or repeating the same ideas.

Q: What are some common mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: Common mistakes include lack of specific examples, repetition, grammar errors, limited vocabulary, and poor paragraphing. Avoiding these mistakes can help you achieve a higher score.

Q: How can I improve my vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: To improve your vocabulary, read a variety of texts, learn new words in context, and practice using them in your writing. Use a thesaurus to find synonyms and avoid repeating the same words.

Q: What is the importance of coherence and cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: Coherence and cohesion are crucial for making your essay easy to follow and understand. They help the examiner see the logical flow of your ideas and give a higher score in this criterion.

Q: How can I improve my grammar for IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: To improve your grammar, practice writing regularly, learn common grammar rules, and get feedback on your writing. Use grammar checkers and style guides to help you identify and correct errors.

Q: What is the role of examples in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: Examples are essential for supporting your ideas and making your argument more convincing. They help the examiner see that you have thought deeply about the topic and can apply your knowledge to real-world situations.

Q: How can I manage my time effectively in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: To manage your time effectively, plan your essay before you start writing, allocate time for each paragraph, and leave time for reviewing and editing your work. Practice timing yourself during your preparation to get used to the time constraints.

Q: What are some tips for achieving a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2?

A: Tips for achieving a high score include addressing all parts of the prompt, providing specific examples, using a variety of vocabulary, avoiding grammar errors, and ensuring coherence and cohesion. Practice regularly and get feedback on your writing to identify areas for improvement.

Stats Callouts

Label: Average Band Score for IELTS Writing Task 2 Value: 5.5 Source: Cambridge Assessment English

Label: Percentage of Test-Takers Achieving Band 6.5 or Higher Value: 35% Source: Cambridge Assessment English

Label: Most Common Mistake in IELTS Writing Task 2 Value: Lack of Specific Examples Source: Cambridge Assessment English

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